Broccoli Pasta Bake

This Broccoli Pasta Bake recipe will change the way you make pasta bake forever. Here I also show you how to prep and cook broccoli in the most delicious way imaginable!

You guys, I can’t even begin to describe how delicious this pasta bake is. I know what you’re thinking, like how good can a pasta bake really get?? Well, according to the smell in my kitchen right now, pretty darn good.

Creamy cheesy goodness topped with a crunchy pasta bake topping, loaded with broccoli. Yep, broccoli. Just one more time, b-r-o-c-c-o-l-i.

Look I’ll be honest with you here, I’m not usually a massive fan of broccoli. I kinda made it my mission to fall in love with it because I knew I was missing out. Turns out I’ve been cooking it wrong all these years.

So classic vegetable pasta bakes that include broccoli just chuck the florets in the water to cook with the boiling pasta right?

Wrong.

When I tell you that roasting broccoli will change your entire outlook on life, I’m not exaggerating. No more having an explosion of water in your mouth from where the broccoli florets soaked it all up. Just some beautifully crisp and tender broccoli, seasoned with salt, pepper, onion and garlic. YUM.

How to roast Broccoli

Cut the florets from the stem, cutting further into bite-sized pieces.

Combine in a baking dish with red onion, garlic, salt and pepper and toss in olive oil.

Roast at 200c/392f for 15mins or until fork tender and lightly charred.

Literally the only way I’ll ever eat broccoli again, especially in a pasta bake.

Let’s take a quick look at the other ingredients you’ll need shall we?

How to make a creamy pasta bake sauce

Melt butter in a suitably sized pan and stir in flour until a thick paste forms.

Gradually pour in milk, stirring until lump free, then pour in vegetable stock.

Add cheese, mustard, nutmeg and seasoning. Stir through pasta.

Tips for the best pasta bake

Al dente – It’s crucial to only just cook your pasta. If you cook it to packet instruction, by the time you’ve finished baking it’s gonna be waaaaaay to soft.

Topping – As far as I’m concerned, a pasta bake ain’t a pasta bake unless it’s got a crispy, crunchy top. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs, a few sprays of olive oil and some seasoning should do the trick.

Bake – I know it sounds obvious, but make sure you give it a good 20mins in the oven. It’s way to tempting to chuck it under the grill or give it a quick bake, but the difference is huge. The way the cheese clings to the pasta and the topping goes golden is just too good to miss out on.

And there we have it folks, a gorgeous family dinner to feed four just ready and waiting!

Remember, roast the broccoli, top the pasta bake with breadcrumbs and give it time in the oven. This broccoli pasta bake is about to be your new family fave, I’m confident 😉

And if you’re anything like me, it doesn’t even make it to the plate. Grab a fork and tuck in! 😍

How to make Broccoli Pasta Bake (Full Recipe & Video)

This Broccoli Pasta Bake recipe will change the way you make pasta bake forever. Here I also show you how to prep and cook broccoli in the most delicious way imaginable!

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: British

Keyword: Broccoli Pasta Bake

Servings: 4

Calories: 465kcal

Author: Chris

Ingredients

300g / 10.6ozRigatoni (or short cut pasta of choice)

1small head ofBroccoli, sliced into bite sized florets

1smallRed Onion, peeled & sliced

1clove ofGarlic, peeled & finely sliced

drizzle ofOlive Oil

Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

Sauce

2tbspButter

2tbspFlour

2 cups / 200gGruyere Cheese (can sub cheddar)

1 cup / 250mlMilk, at room temp

1 cup / 250mlVegetable Stock

1heaped tspWholegrain Mustard

pinch ofNutmeg

Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

Topping

1slice ofBread, pulsed into crumbs

Olive Oil Spray

Salt & Black Pepper

Method

Place your broccoli, onion, garlic, a good drizzle of olive oil and salt & pepper in a suitably sized baking dish and roast for 15-20mins at 200c/392f or until fork tender and lightly charred. Timings will differ depending on the size of broccoli, just keep an eye on it.

Meanwhile, place your pasta in salted boiling water and cook until a dente.

At the same time, melt your butter in a suitably sized pan. Add your flour, then stir into a paste. Gradually add your milk, stirring throughout, then gradually and your vegetable stock.

If you plan on making the Broccoli Pasta Bake then be sure to pin it for later! Already made it or got a burning question? Give me a shout in the comments below and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!

Chris

Hey, I'm Chris! Thanks for stopping by. I believe that good food should bring a smile to your face and hug your soul with every bite. Here you'll find fun and delicious comfort food that even the most beginner of home cook can master. More from me? Just click the pic!